Hog farm hopes bigger gets betterhttp://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090405/BIZ0102/304059944

Author: Jenni Glen

Date: April 5th, 2009

Source: journalgazette.net

Summary:

In Wabash, the hog farm is taking more steps to be kinder and gentler to its hogs. There is debate however whether it is alright to pen up pregnant sows. Overall the farm treats its animals right give proper check-ups and controlling the environment for the hogs.

Response: 

This is a great farm for raising animals. It doesn't neglect them, they care for them to give us the best meat. They make sure they are cared for and treated right. The sows are separated when the are pregnant for their own safety. Also if there are fights the medical staff treats the wounds. This is a model farm, others need to follow this example set by them.

Region's Largest Egg Supplier Raidedhttp://www.thebostonchannel.com/mostpopular/19075283/detail.html

Author:NA

Date: April 2, 2009

Source:TheBostonChannel.com

Summary:

The area's largest egg supplier was raid on counts that it caged chickens with the dead chickens. The farm supplies 65,000 eggs a week. Many animals died because they couldn't reach food and water and many times stayed in the cages with the egg laying birds.

Response:

This is the textbook example of factory farming. The abuse and cruelty is amazing. The animals are starving to death and the bodies are not removed. Also there is evidence the birds are being whipped, is horrible. There needs to be serious punishment for the farm. There should be new laws and heavy fines that include jail time.

Thanks A Lot, HBO Says Meat Industry

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Thanks-A-Lot-HBO-Says-Mea-by-Martha-Rosenberg-090328-361.html

Author: Martha Rosenburg 

Date: March 28th 2009

Source: OpEdNews.com

Summary:

HBO aired Death on a Factory Farm in 2008 and the industry is still hurting and feeling the wrath of the documentary. The special has had a ripple effect and has prompted many new laws and regulations for the farms to follow now.

Response:

This documentary is today's version of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. It shook up the meat world and showed the cruelty of the farms. I like that HBO showed us the horrors so we can fix the problems now. The government is taking action and Obama is creating new policies. Hopefully soon there will be no more scandal in the factory farm industry.

"Porkchop" author balances full plate of farm activism

http://www.sacbee.com/livinghere/story/1682526.html

Author: Blair Anthony Robertson

Date: March 9th 2009

Source: The Sacramento Bee

Summary:

The slow shift of consumers switching from main factory meat to small farms or organic produce. The history of the commercial meat industry and how it started and the author's view on the subject.

Summary:

I agree with this article, about how the public is straying away from commercial meat. My family personally gets out meat from a small farm. Also there is more public awareness about the food industry. So the consumer with this knowledge is able to get meat from other sources. I'm not sure why the companies treat the animals like that, I'm sure they know it will become public.

The paradox of uranium mining in the West

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20090321/NEWS/903219994/1058&title=The%20paradox%20of%20uranium%20mining%20in%20the%20

Author: Matthew Beaudin

Date: March 21st 2009

Source: Aspen Times

Summary:

In many towns in Colorado uranium mining is what the town does and is what provides the business. There is a debate wether to expand the mines or to shut them down. This is a problem people will decide if they want to keep their jobs or save the environment.

Response:

In the towns the mines don't seem to harm the residents or have any negative effects. The problem is the EPA want to close the mines. I disagree with the EPA on this issue. The mines supply work and keep the towns afloat. Without the mines the towns would become ghost towns. People's livelihood is more important than the environment right now.

Toxic chemical pollution up 2.1% in NV form 06-07

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11952211

Author: Scott Sonner

Date: March 19th 2009

Source: MercuryNwes.com

Summary:

Mining contributes 96% of toxic chemical pollution in Nevada, which is around 222 million pounds. Arsenic, lead, and mercury were the most common and mercury was actually traced in parts of Idaho, the fish have mercury in them.

Response:

This is bad in many ways because it affects so many things. The people of Idaho are being poisoned by the mercury inadvertently because of the mining. Also the mining has to have some effect on the workers. We need a solution to the problem of this mercury contamination. There needs to be better containment of the waste and a safe place to put it away from people. If we limit the effects we can continue mining if we can't then we have to stop the mining.  

Recycling balls puts a bounce in efforts 

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090315/EVENTS10/903150308/-1/newsfront

Author: Mariecar Mendoza 

Date: March 15, 2009

Source: Mydesert.com

Summary:

At the BNP Paribas Open there was a new form of recycling, they collected used tennis balls. They collected 2,500 balls and for each person who brought 6 balls they received a new can of tennis balls. Every year there is about 20,000 tons of waste is because of tennis balls.

Response:

This is a great idea and way to recycle. The average person can recycle their old tennis balls ad get new ones to use. They company either makes them bounce again and sells them discounted to coaches. Or they are used to cover furniture or walker legs to prevent floor damage. It is a good way to save our environment. Now I'm able to recycle the old tennis balls that my dogs wrecked.